Saint Martin's alcohol and drug policy

Introduction:
The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Federal Drug-Free
Schools and Safe Communities Act Amendments of 1989, requires Institutes
of Higher Education (IHE) to promote the reduction of risk associated
with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use through adoption and
implementation of a policy and program. This policy and program is
designed to educate the IHE community about the dangers of AOD abuse and
to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and
illicit drugs by students and employees on University property or while
involved in University business or activities.

An individual under the influence of alcohol or other drugs risks the
safety and health of themselves and others, and AOD abuse can adversely
impact academic success, work performance, and personal relationships.

Diverse opinion and freedom of choice are but two hallmarks of higher
education; however, these hallmarks carry significant responsibility:
Students and employees have an obligation to make informed decisions
regarding AOD use, and, must accept personal responsibility for the
consequences of their AOD use.

SMU policy on alcohol and other drugs:
Saint Martin's University is committed to a safe and secure environment
free of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) abuse and maintains this commitment
in support of academic success, work performance, well-being, and
quality of life for all members of its community. It is the conviction
of Saint Martin's University that the education of the mind, body, and
soul are of the utmost importance. Alcohol and other drugs have been
shown to adversely affect this ideal. SMU is also committed to substance
abuse prevention, education, and assistance.

Unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of alcohol or other
drugs by students or employees on University-owned or controlled
property, or at any University activity, is prohibited.

Saint Martin's University provides: Information about AOD and the
reduction of associated risks; appropriate intervention when AOD use
creates unwanted or unintended consequences; and, support for reducing
the risk of consequences associated with AOD abuse.

SMU upholds University policy and local, state, and federal laws
pertaining to AOD use. All persons on campus are required to comply with
these policies and laws. Violation of University policy or local, state,
or federal law concerning AOD that occurs in or on University owned or
controlled property, involves University business or other activities,
and/or relates directly and materially to the fitness of staff or
faculty members in their professional capacities will result in
appropriate action (see "standards of conduct" below).

Standards of conduct:
In accordance with Saint Martin's University policy, provisions exist to
assist individuals experiencing difficulties with AOD abuse and to
ensure appropriate sanctions for violations of policy and/or law. The
University will handle each situation in a discreet and professional
manner that may include:

For SMU employees:* Assistance via referral to the SMU Employee Assistance Program
(EAP), the SMU counseling center, or off-campus AOD programs, including
drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or other support services.
Section 4.5 (drug/substance abuse) of the Saint Martin's University
employee handbook, states: Saint Martin's University is committed to
providing a drug-free working environment in accordance with the Federal
Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.* Disciplinary actions such as establishment of performance
standards or requirements as a condition of continuing employment or
enrollment, probation, mandatory leave, or termination of employment or
student status.* Referral to the appropriate government agency for legal
prosecution.

For SMU students:(Student handbook, residence life, AOD, p.56)

First violation: referral and completion of
approved AOD education program at student's expense. Mandatory
Residence Hall probation. Failure to comply may result in a $75
fine and completion of rescheduled program.

Second violation:referral and
completion of approved substance abuse assessment and evaluation
(and follow-through) at student's expense. If student is under
21 years of age, the University will notify parents of violation
via mail. A student's failure to comply with provisions of a
second violation will result in a referral to the Student
Conduct Committee for further disciplinary action.

Third violation: referral to the Student
Conduct Committee for review of student's status as a student at
Saint Martin's University.

Determination of policy violation and sanctions for students
and employees is established as follows:
Students: as outlined in the SMU student handbook, Saint Martin's
University has a fundamental interest in the conduct of its students. It
is University policy, ..."that assumes all students are responsible for
their own conduct"... The SMU Code of Students' Rights and
Responsibilities adopted July 1, 1992, and amended June 23, 1999,
supersedes previous codes and is applied without regard to gender, race,
age, disability, ethnic background or religious conviction.

Possession, consumption, possession by means of consumption, and the
sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in or around University-owned
or controlled property. Exceptions for a specific event may be made if:

Approval (in writing) is obtained from the Dean of Students

The event is not held in or near the Residence Halls

Those consuming alcohol are 21 years of age or older

An appropriate Washington State Liquor License is obtained
and displayed

A Washington State Licensed bartender serves the alcohol.
(See POLICIES, Section 1, Alcohol and Other Drugs, in the
Student Handbook)

Possession, consumption, possession by means of consumption, and the
sale of illegal drugs or other controlled substances is prohibited in or
around University-owned or controlled property. These substances may
include, but are not limited to, stimulants such as amphetamines or
cocaine, depressants such as barbiturates or tranquilizers, cannabis
such as marijuana or hashish, hallucinogens such as LSD or Ecstasy,
narcotics such as heroin or morphine and various inhalants. The only
exception to the policy is controlled substances prescribed and used as
directed by a physician. (Policies, section 3, alcohol and other drugs,
in the student handbook.)

The University may, at its discretion, require AOD education training
for any group, club, team or living arrangement as necessary (policies,
section 2, student handbook).

Employees: as a recipient of federal funds, Saint
Martin's University is required (under the Drug-Free Workplace Act) to
notify employees that as a condition of employment each employee is
required to:

Abide by the federal and state laws regarding the possession,
manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, and use of controlled
substances while on University property or while involved in University
business or activities; and, notify director of human resources (if
faculty or staff) or student employment center (if a student, then the
SMU Office of Financial Aid) of any conviction for a violation of a
criminal statute which occurred on University property or while involved
in University business or activities within five (5) calendar days after
such conviction.

Student and employee disciplinary sanctions for violation of
SMU standards of conduct:* Possession, consumption, possession by means of consumption,
and sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in or around
University-owned or controlled property. Exceptions are made if the
following conditions are met for a specific event:

Written approval is obtained from
the director of campus life and the dean
of student services.

The event is not held in or near the
residence halls.

Those consuming alcohol are 21 years
of age or older.

An appropriate liquor license is
obtained from the Washington State
Liquor Control Board and publicly
displayed at the event.

A bartender licensed by the State of
Washington serves the alcohol.

* The University may, at its discretion,
require alcohol and other drugs educational training for
any group, club, team, or living arrangement as
necessary.

* Possession, consumption, possession by means
of consumption, and sale of illegal drugs or other
controlled substances is prohibited in or around
University-owned or controlled property. These
substances may include, but are not limited to,
stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine, depressants
such as barbiturates or tranquilizers, cannabis such as
marijuana or hashish, hallucinogens such as LSD or
ecstasy, narcotics such as heroin or morphine, and
various inhalants. The only exception to this policy
would include controlled substances prescribed and used
as directed by a physician.

* Disorderly, lewd, indecent and any other conduct, including actions
resulting from the misuse of alcohol or illegal drugs, which interferes with:

Any other University activity or University
sponsored activity or event.

Federal penalties and sanctions for illegal trafficking and
possession of a controlled substance:it is against the
law to posses and traffic controlled substances, and first time
convictions can lead to up to one year in prison and/or a fine of at
least $1,000 but not more than $100,000. Additional penalties can
include forfeiture of property used to posses or facilitate possession
of a controlled substance, and denial of Federal benefits (including
student loans and grants). For a full list of applicable federal AOD
laws, please contact either SMU security, Old Main, Room 207 (x4555) or
the SMU Counseling Center, Old Main, Room 203 (x4513).

Summary of Washington State Substance Abuse Laws:
Washington law prohibits the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to
persons under 21 years of age. If convicted, punishment may result in a
fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail for up to
one year. A minor, convicted of purchasing alcohol illegally or
misrepresenting one's age to illegally purchase alcohol, faces a minimum
fine of $250.00 and 25 hours of community service. Public consumption of
alcohol, also illegal, can carry a fine of up to $1,000.00 and up to 90
days in jail.

A first-time conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or
drugs carries a fine of up to $5,000.00 and not less than one day in
jail, or a minimum of 15 days of electronic home monitoring at the
expense of the convicted person.

Criminal penalties in Washington State for the illegal use of illicit
and/or controlled substances ("drugs") vary with the type of drug. In
general, narcotics, addictive drugs, and drugs with a high potential for
abuse have heavier penalties. Possession of manufactured drugs is
illegal without a prescription or valid authorization. While penalties
for possession are generally not as great as for manufacture and
distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be
considered distribution.

Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession,
manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent
convictions.

Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal law may
be ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to one year
after the first conviction and five years after the second; the penalty
for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five years after the
first, ten years after the second, and permanently after the third
conviction.

For a full list of applicable state AOD laws, please contact either
SMU security in Old Main, room 207 (x4555) or the SMU counseling center,
Old Main room 203 (x4513), or view state laws for several alcohol- and
drug-related issues at
http://slc.leg.wa.gov/default.htm.

Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and
alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Deficits in reaction
time, motor coordination, and judgment can occur even with moderate
doses. At higher doses, blacking out (i.e., being awake but,
nevertheless, not being able to remember a part of the night before) and
passing out can occur. In time, and with very high doses, the depressant
effects of alcohol can cause respiratory depression and death. Alcohol
consumption can interfere with academic success, and can contribute to
interpersonal or social problems for the individual. Negative
consequences can include impaired sleep, weight gain, financial
problems, missed assignments, missed classes, low grades, sexual
assault, unplanned pregnancies, transmission of STD's or HIV, and
alcohol-related accidents and death. If combined with other substances,
potentially deadly drug interactions can occur. While the list of
consequences of other drug use differs by substance, common consequences
of other drug use can be impaired motor coordination and judgment,
memory and mood problems, and a heightened risk for accidents and death.
A full list of short- and long-term effects of is available from the SMU
counseling center, Old Main, room 203 (x4513).

Available drug and alcohol programs and referral sources
(counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry) available to
employees or students include:

On campus:

SMU counseling center: 360-438-4513

SMU Substance Abuse Prevention Program Coordinator, Jason
Kilmer, Ph.D. 360-438-4513 - available to students for
evaluations, consultations, and counseling; faculty or staff may
contact Dr. Kilmer for any questions or referrals

Off campus:

Providence St. Peter Chemical Dependency Center:
360-456-7575.

BHR Recovery Services: 360-704-7170.

Alternatives: 360- 357-7986.

Safeplace: 360-754-6300

The Crisis Clinic: 360-586-2800: Provides a 24-hour crisis
line and referrals to providers in the area.

Alcohol/Drug Use 24-hour Help Line: 1-800-562-1240

Washington State Alcohol/Drug Clearing House: 1-800-662-9111

Support groups:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 360-352-7344.

Alanon: 360-352-7745 (support for those affected by the
alcohol use of a friend or family member).